Most folks I talk to struggle with some kind of weight loss issues. Some care enought to do something about it, others not so much. Doesn’t matter, really, since what we are ultimately looking for is acceptance and happiness. Whether that means you wear a size 1 or a size 10, the most beautiful people in this world are the happy ones. And happy people know how to please themselves.
Happiness comes from the mind, so change your mind and you change the world. It may be the most powerful concept of our generation. It’s usually the small stuff, too. Tiny shifts in perception begin to reprogram our brains so we can eventually see things differently, more clearly.
Why all the philosophy? I don’t know, maybe because over the past six months I have used these concepts on myself and they have worked. And so now I share them with you, because maybe they will work for you, too. Or maybe you just want to make some lettuce wraps.
You see, lettuce wraps are a fun and healthy way to replace bread, tortillas, egg roll wrappers and other simple carbs that are not good for the body when you’re trying to lose weight.
These things are mighty tasty, and simple too. Quickly brown ground turkey in a splash of sesame oil, drain, and set aside. Add to the same pan a heady combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and lime juice and saute for about 30 seconds until heated and slightly thickened. Add back the turkey, along with scallions and water chestnuts and stir to combine. Simple as that.
Gently clean and dry tender leaves of butter lettuce. Set them up in an assembly line with shredded carrots and bell peppers, scallions, cilantro, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges so each person can design a wrap with their own personal taste in mind. Enjoy!
Asian Lettuce Wraps
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 pound ground chicken or turkey
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup water chestnuts, minced
1 bunch scallions, white and light green parts, chopped
1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated, cleaned and dried
Optional garnishes include shredded carrots or bell peppers, scallions, cilantro, peanuts, and/or lime wedges.
Heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add ground chicken or turkey and brown, breaking apart into small pieces until cooked through. Drain and set aside. Combine pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, lime juice, and soy and add to saute pan, sauteeing for 30 seconds, until fragrant and slightly thickened. Add meat, water chestnuts, and scallions and cook until heated through. Season to taste with additional soy sauce, pepper, or lime. Serve with lettuce cups and optional garnishes.
